On Tuesday, September 2, at 21:00, the historic Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens will host a unique evening dedicated to two of the most emblematic works by Greek composer Manos Hadjidakis — Magnus Eroticus (O Megalos Erotikos) and Fifteen Vespers (Dekapente Esperinoi).
Manos Hadjidakis (1925–1994) is widely regarded as one of Greece’s greatest composers and poets, and a pivotal figure in post-war music. He was the first to bridge the gap between classical composition and Greek folk tradition, creating works now considered timeless classics. His music, often set to the poetry of great Greek and world authors, combines intellectual depth with an intimate lyricism.
For Magnus Eroticus, the voices of Alkinoos Ioannidis and Maria Kostraki will bring Hadjidakis’ musical vision to life, under the baton of conductor Loukas Karytinos, accompanied by the Choir of the Municipality of Athens. The production is presented by Panik Live Productions.
Written in 1972, Magnus Eroticus is a song cycle drawing on texts from ancient Greek poets such as Sappho and Euripides, medieval folk songs, and modern masters like Cavafy, Elytis, and Gatsos, as well as verses from the Biblical Song of Songs. he original recording featured Flery Dadonaki and Dimitris Psarianos, whose performances remain iconic. In Hadjidakis’ own words, Magnus Eroticus embodies “a folk god, beautiful, youthful, and eternally alive… a liturgy for the Great Lover, with imaginary angels, lovers, virgins, and adolescents.”
The program also features Fifteen Vespers, first released in 1964, a collection of lyrical miniatures including the beloved song “Mr. Antonis.” Hadjidakis described the work as “a gathering of scattered sensitivities, offered on their true pedestal, untouched by merchants.” For him, “vespers” represented the sun’s reverent farewell, filled with memories, light, and the faint scent of love.
The evening will showcase an ensemble of distinguished musicians:
Magnus Eroticus
Sofia Tamvakopoulou, Frixos Mortzos – piano
Giorgos Tosikian – guitar
Aristeidis Chatzistavrou – guitar, laouto
Takis Kapogiannis – double bass
Gogo Xagara – harp
Dionysis Vervitsiotis – violin
Alexandros Botinis – cello
Vivi Geka – mandolin
Fifteen Vespers
Lefteris Michalopoulos – piano
Giorgos Tosikian, Aristeidis Chatzistavrou – guitar
Takis Kapogiannis – double bass
Gogo Xagara – harp
For tickets please go here.
